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Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes
Through Old Testament Eyes is a new kind of commentary series that illuminates the Old Testament backgrounds, allusions, patterns, and references saturating the New Testament. Bible teachers, preachers, and students committed to understanding Scripture will gain insight through these rich Old Testament connections, which clarify puzzling passages and explain others in fresh ways.
The images of Revelation—like a seven-sealed scroll, four horsemen bringing destruction and death, locusts from the Abyss, and more—often seem hopelessly complex to today's readers and have led to egregious misunderstanding and misinterpretations. But as Tremper Longman demonstrates in Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes, this confusion arises from unfamiliarity with symbolism that Revelation's first readers readily comprehended. In large part, the imagery arises from first-century AD Greco-Roman culture and from the Old Testament, with its own background in ancient Near Eastern literature. Through its unmistakable Old Testament connections, Revelation exhorts readers to persevere in the present and place their hope in God for the future.
Avoiding overly technical discussions and interpretive debates, Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes combines rigorous, focused New Testament scholarship with deep respect for the entire biblical text.
The images of Revelation—like a seven-sealed scroll, four horsemen bringing destruction and death, locusts from the Abyss, and more—often seem hopelessly complex to today's readers and have led to egregious misunderstanding and misinterpretations. But as Tremper Longman demonstrates in Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes, this confusion arises from unfamiliarity with symbolism that Revelation's first readers readily comprehended. In large part, the imagery arises from first-century AD Greco-Roman culture and from the Old Testament, with its own background in ancient Near Eastern literature. Through its unmistakable Old Testament connections, Revelation exhorts readers to persevere in the present and place their hope in God for the future.
Avoiding overly technical discussions and interpretive debates, Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes combines rigorous, focused New Testament scholarship with deep respect for the entire biblical text.
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Published May 10, 2022
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About the author
Tremper Longman III
198 books129 followersTremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Before coming to Westmont, he taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for eighteen years. He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament, How to Read Proverbs, and commentaries on Daniel, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Jeremiah and Lamentations, and Song of Songs.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 28, 2022
Summary: A running commentary of the book of Revelation that focuses on the Old Testament background running through the book, along with material that goes deeper on the Old Testament material relating to different themes and the structure of the book as well as its contemporary application.
There is a school of thought that tries to read the book of Revelation and relate it to the events of the present day, a trend I’ve observed for fifty years, requiring many revisions in interpretation. This commentary, part of the “Through Old Testament Eyes” series, looks back, providing a running commentary of the Old Testament texts to which many of images and metaphors allude or draw upon. There is probably no New Testament book where this kind of commentary is more necessary, and Tremper Longman III admirably fills this need.
First of all, Longman offers a running, verse-by-verse commentary, offering Old Testament background on references in the text. The commentary is scholarly but not technical, accessible for a lay reader. Just one example, from “Look, he is coming with the clouds” (Revelation 1:7). Longman recalls the ancient Near East background of cloud riding deities, particularly storm clouds, which he believes in view here (cf. Psalm 18:9; 104:3). He cites the prophesy of Isaiah against Egypt in Isaiah 19:1-2 of God coming against them on a swift cloud, and similarly toward Nineveh in Nahum 1:3. He then focuses attention on the vision recorded in Daniel 7:13, where we have God both as Ancient of Days and coming “like a son of man” on the clouds.
These commentaries also incorporate sections called “Through Old Testament Eyes,” stepping back from the text. Following the above commentary, Longman offers an extended discussion of Daniel, as the other instance of extended apocalyptic writing in scripture. He observes that parallels in both where present evil will be overcome with God’s final victory. Where Revelation differs is that it reflects the already and not yet experience of the church having witnessed the resurrection of the son of God yet awaiting his final victory.
There are a number of “What the Structure Means” articles throughout the text as well. One of the most helpful was his discussion on the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls, noting Bauckham’s observation that “the seventh-seal opening includes the seven trumpets and the seventh trumpet includes the seven bowls.” He argues that they are not sequential, but spiraling cycles moving toward the end. He notes the interludes and the significance of the seventh in each series–silence followed by earthquakes and lightning after the seventh seal, a vision of the heavenly temple and the ark along with more lightning, thunder, and earthquakes, and after the seventh bowl all of these with a severe earthquake.
Finally the commentary offers “Going Deeper” sections connection the commentary to application. For example, on “Perseverance of the Church: Revelation 11” focuses on the faithful testimony of the two witnesses who represent the church. They are killed by the beast from the Abyss but raised by God to heaven. Later, the pregnant woman, also representing the church is pursued by Satan but twice escapes harm. Finally, in Revelation 19, we have the vision of the wedding supper of the Lamb after the fall of Babylon (Rome). Longman notes how the churches to which John wrote faced persecution, and these words have encouraged the church whenever she has faced oppression, marginalization, and adversity.
One comes away from studying this commentary aware afresh of the seamless garment that is scripture. The Old Testament illumines so much of Revelation, furnishing the stock of metaphors John draws upon in relating his visions, while uniquely expanding upon them. Rather than getting caught up in prophecy chart, Longman invites us to get caught up in the Lamb who was worthy, the victory of God, the defeat of evil, and the enduring hope this offers the people of God of John’s day and throughout the ages down to our own.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
There is a school of thought that tries to read the book of Revelation and relate it to the events of the present day, a trend I’ve observed for fifty years, requiring many revisions in interpretation. This commentary, part of the “Through Old Testament Eyes” series, looks back, providing a running commentary of the Old Testament texts to which many of images and metaphors allude or draw upon. There is probably no New Testament book where this kind of commentary is more necessary, and Tremper Longman III admirably fills this need.
First of all, Longman offers a running, verse-by-verse commentary, offering Old Testament background on references in the text. The commentary is scholarly but not technical, accessible for a lay reader. Just one example, from “Look, he is coming with the clouds” (Revelation 1:7). Longman recalls the ancient Near East background of cloud riding deities, particularly storm clouds, which he believes in view here (cf. Psalm 18:9; 104:3). He cites the prophesy of Isaiah against Egypt in Isaiah 19:1-2 of God coming against them on a swift cloud, and similarly toward Nineveh in Nahum 1:3. He then focuses attention on the vision recorded in Daniel 7:13, where we have God both as Ancient of Days and coming “like a son of man” on the clouds.
These commentaries also incorporate sections called “Through Old Testament Eyes,” stepping back from the text. Following the above commentary, Longman offers an extended discussion of Daniel, as the other instance of extended apocalyptic writing in scripture. He observes that parallels in both where present evil will be overcome with God’s final victory. Where Revelation differs is that it reflects the already and not yet experience of the church having witnessed the resurrection of the son of God yet awaiting his final victory.
There are a number of “What the Structure Means” articles throughout the text as well. One of the most helpful was his discussion on the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls, noting Bauckham’s observation that “the seventh-seal opening includes the seven trumpets and the seventh trumpet includes the seven bowls.” He argues that they are not sequential, but spiraling cycles moving toward the end. He notes the interludes and the significance of the seventh in each series–silence followed by earthquakes and lightning after the seventh seal, a vision of the heavenly temple and the ark along with more lightning, thunder, and earthquakes, and after the seventh bowl all of these with a severe earthquake.
Finally the commentary offers “Going Deeper” sections connection the commentary to application. For example, on “Perseverance of the Church: Revelation 11” focuses on the faithful testimony of the two witnesses who represent the church. They are killed by the beast from the Abyss but raised by God to heaven. Later, the pregnant woman, also representing the church is pursued by Satan but twice escapes harm. Finally, in Revelation 19, we have the vision of the wedding supper of the Lamb after the fall of Babylon (Rome). Longman notes how the churches to which John wrote faced persecution, and these words have encouraged the church whenever she has faced oppression, marginalization, and adversity.
One comes away from studying this commentary aware afresh of the seamless garment that is scripture. The Old Testament illumines so much of Revelation, furnishing the stock of metaphors John draws upon in relating his visions, while uniquely expanding upon them. Rather than getting caught up in prophecy chart, Longman invites us to get caught up in the Lamb who was worthy, the victory of God, the defeat of evil, and the enduring hope this offers the people of God of John’s day and throughout the ages down to our own.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
January 13, 2024
A very good idealistic approach to Revelation emphasizing its Old Testament foundation and allusions.
July 15, 2024
Tremper Longman in the New Testament? That was a surprise! With a little more thought I can guess why. There are many OT allusions in Revelation as well as the fact that Daniel is especially related to Revelation and Longman has written on it.
I must admit up front that I don’t share Longman’s overall prophetic position, but I expected it before I began. The final product is also what I expected.
While this work cannot serve as a main commentary choice, it is useful as an additional resource. Longman is clearly an OT expert and it shows. I often disagree with him even in his OT content, but there’s always good stuff to find as well. That ends up being true in this book too. Beyond some speculative material is solid OT insights.
The style of the work matches previous volumes in this series. Here the OT nuggets and comments on structure are far and away the best features here. No matter one’s perspective on prophecy, nuggets on structure are delightful to the Bible student.
Where I’d use this commentary is narrow (more so than others in series), but in those places it is rich.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I must admit up front that I don’t share Longman’s overall prophetic position, but I expected it before I began. The final product is also what I expected.
While this work cannot serve as a main commentary choice, it is useful as an additional resource. Longman is clearly an OT expert and it shows. I often disagree with him even in his OT content, but there’s always good stuff to find as well. That ends up being true in this book too. Beyond some speculative material is solid OT insights.
The style of the work matches previous volumes in this series. Here the OT nuggets and comments on structure are far and away the best features here. No matter one’s perspective on prophecy, nuggets on structure are delightful to the Bible student.
Where I’d use this commentary is narrow (more so than others in series), but in those places it is rich.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 8, 2022
Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes (A Background and Application Commentary) by Tremper Longman III is a new volume in a series of commentaries that seek to work from the fact that the Bible of the New Testament authors was the Old Testament, and, as they write, they write with the Old Testament Scripture, history, and symbols of what we call the Old Testament in mind. Thus, it is difficult to understand the New Testament fully without seeing it “through Old Testament Eyes.”
This is a commentary I was specifically looking forward to and plan to work through diligently. I am working on understanding the book of Revelation for myself – not based on theories that lack nay basis in Scripture – but by looking at how the authors of the time would have understood what John wrote.
As commentaries do, this commentary goes through the text of the Gospel and explains it – though not every verse. The original languages are used sparsely, so this is not a barrier to ministers or teachers using this commentary.
In addition to the running commentary, there are shaded blocks of several types: “what the structure means,” “through Old Testament Eyes,” and “going deeper.” The first looks at significant structural issues that make a difference in interpreting the text, the second shows the connection of the texts between the testaments, and the third explores the issue or term in the text and invites personal reflection on what this means practically.
The commentary ends with a list of the locations of the three shaded types of blocks, of the abbreviations, of the three types of shaded blocks (as above), and a selected bibliography, endnotes, and a Scripture index.
This commentary, and the others in the series should prove very useful for preachers and teachers to help them understand the fulness of the text better – especially as the two testaments relate to each other. I certainly look forward to using this commentary – with others – to gai a better understanding of Revelation.
[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, Kregel.com, and Goodreads.com.]
This is a commentary I was specifically looking forward to and plan to work through diligently. I am working on understanding the book of Revelation for myself – not based on theories that lack nay basis in Scripture – but by looking at how the authors of the time would have understood what John wrote.
As commentaries do, this commentary goes through the text of the Gospel and explains it – though not every verse. The original languages are used sparsely, so this is not a barrier to ministers or teachers using this commentary.
In addition to the running commentary, there are shaded blocks of several types: “what the structure means,” “through Old Testament Eyes,” and “going deeper.” The first looks at significant structural issues that make a difference in interpreting the text, the second shows the connection of the texts between the testaments, and the third explores the issue or term in the text and invites personal reflection on what this means practically.
The commentary ends with a list of the locations of the three shaded types of blocks, of the abbreviations, of the three types of shaded blocks (as above), and a selected bibliography, endnotes, and a Scripture index.
This commentary, and the others in the series should prove very useful for preachers and teachers to help them understand the fulness of the text better – especially as the two testaments relate to each other. I certainly look forward to using this commentary – with others – to gai a better understanding of Revelation.
[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, Kregel.com, and Goodreads.com.]
January 30, 2025
Pretty Good…
So this is a pretty good commentary on the book of Revelation, but like all commentaries on that enigmatic book, it falls short in really clarifying what is going on.
The good:
1. Mr. Longman gets the crucial stuff correct. He summarizes the purpose of Revelation as: “Truth be told, Revelation’s main theme is as clear as day: despite present trouble, God is in control, and he will have the final victory.”
2. Mr. Longman looks at Revelation through the lens of the Old Testament, which seems what any commentator should do, and finds that the Old Testament casts a lot of light on Revelation through its use of imagery and metaphor, etc. This is the strength of the book.
The “I wish we knew more”
1. Revelation is a book that is difficult to understand and I have never read a commentary that I thought really nailed the book, this book is no exception. Figuring out what in the book is literal and what is metaphor or figurative is a challenge and sometimes I agree with Mr. Longman and other times I do not.
2. At times Mr. Longman is merely describing the text rather than commenting and explaining it (most likely because it’s difficult to explain).
Anyway, I love the Old Testament connections he makes, but I didn’t come away understanding the book of Revelation any better than I did before I started, with the exception of the connection between Revelation and the Old Testament. It was worth reading just for that.
So this is a pretty good commentary on the book of Revelation, but like all commentaries on that enigmatic book, it falls short in really clarifying what is going on.
The good:
1. Mr. Longman gets the crucial stuff correct. He summarizes the purpose of Revelation as: “Truth be told, Revelation’s main theme is as clear as day: despite present trouble, God is in control, and he will have the final victory.”
2. Mr. Longman looks at Revelation through the lens of the Old Testament, which seems what any commentator should do, and finds that the Old Testament casts a lot of light on Revelation through its use of imagery and metaphor, etc. This is the strength of the book.
The “I wish we knew more”
1. Revelation is a book that is difficult to understand and I have never read a commentary that I thought really nailed the book, this book is no exception. Figuring out what in the book is literal and what is metaphor or figurative is a challenge and sometimes I agree with Mr. Longman and other times I do not.
2. At times Mr. Longman is merely describing the text rather than commenting and explaining it (most likely because it’s difficult to explain).
Anyway, I love the Old Testament connections he makes, but I didn’t come away understanding the book of Revelation any better than I did before I started, with the exception of the connection between Revelation and the Old Testament. It was worth reading just for that.
February 19, 2023
I moved directly from Longman's commentary on Daniel to this one.
In the Acknowledgments, Longman writes that the message of Revelation (as in Daniel) is that God is in control. He will have the final victory. (Actually Longman reminds the reader of this throughout the book). "Therefore, remain faithful to Jesus in a culture that is toxic to your faith."
I spent a lot of time in his book. At least an hour a day with my Bible and the commentary. I've read a lot of Revelation commentaries and many of them make me cringe now. I truly feel his exegesis is sound. I had no idea how much of the OT is quoted in Revelation. One example is from page 312 Regarding Revelation 22:18-19 anyone adds anything to them...if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy.
"The book of Deuteronomy contains a similar warning concerning adding to or subtracting from the law that God was giving Israel at the time (Deut 4:2). {quoting another scholar Tabb} Tabb, therefore, rightly concludes that "by invoking Deuteronomy's warning about adding to or taking from the words of the Law in 22:18-19, Jesus boldly asserts that 'the authority of the book of Revelation parallels and exceeds that of the Torah.'"
Gosh, I'm just flipping through all my tabbed pages and a markings....I am so appreciative of this commentary.
In the Acknowledgments, Longman writes that the message of Revelation (as in Daniel) is that God is in control. He will have the final victory. (Actually Longman reminds the reader of this throughout the book). "Therefore, remain faithful to Jesus in a culture that is toxic to your faith."
I spent a lot of time in his book. At least an hour a day with my Bible and the commentary. I've read a lot of Revelation commentaries and many of them make me cringe now. I truly feel his exegesis is sound. I had no idea how much of the OT is quoted in Revelation. One example is from page 312 Regarding Revelation 22:18-19 anyone adds anything to them...if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy.
"The book of Deuteronomy contains a similar warning concerning adding to or subtracting from the law that God was giving Israel at the time (Deut 4:2). {quoting another scholar Tabb} Tabb, therefore, rightly concludes that "by invoking Deuteronomy's warning about adding to or taking from the words of the Law in 22:18-19, Jesus boldly asserts that 'the authority of the book of Revelation parallels and exceeds that of the Torah.'"
Gosh, I'm just flipping through all my tabbed pages and a markings....I am so appreciative of this commentary.
May 14, 2024
First, this title is deceiving. This is not a deep dive into the OT context behind the imagery and symbolism of Revelation. Instead, it is a collection of notes on the text - only some of which come from the Old Testament.
Second, I expected Longman to be more insightful. Many of the notes were bland and unhelpful. At other times, Longman took a short foray into a hot topic l but left his arguments largely unsubstantiated.
Overall, I fail to see the usefulness in this volume that could not be gleaned more helpfully and thoroughly through other texts.
Second, I expected Longman to be more insightful. Many of the notes were bland and unhelpful. At other times, Longman took a short foray into a hot topic l but left his arguments largely unsubstantiated.
Overall, I fail to see the usefulness in this volume that could not be gleaned more helpfully and thoroughly through other texts.
May 21, 2024
Excellent discussion of Revelation from the perspective of an OT scholar. In the main, he takes an approach similar to that of Beale, Poythress, etc. Written at an intermediate level, this commentary is worth consulting for any student of the book of Revelation.
May 7, 2024
Tremper Longman is a fine scholar but there is little here that can't be found in Beale as far as John' use of the OT.
August 14, 2023
Good biblical and scholarly approach to Revelation. It's not my favorite commentary of the book, but it's definitely one of the better ones. I feel like the author missed some things that I would have noted, and there's the obvious disclaimer that I don't agree with every interpretive point, but it's a good commentary.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews